Cheektowaga Man Pleads Guilty in Three Separate Cases

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 19-year-old Zachary A. Jackson of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges to one count of Arson in the Third Degree (Class “C” felony), one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony under Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by an Inmate (Class “E” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest count in each case. 

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, at approximately 10:41 p.m., the defendant intentionally poured lighter fluid on a family member’s pickup truck and used a blowtorch to set fire to the vehicle. The fire was quickly extinguished by responding police and fire personnel, but caused significant damage to the truck. The defendant was arraigned the following day in Cheektowaga Town Court. He was released under supervision and a temporary non-offensive order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. 

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, the defendant, with the intent to kill or cause serious physical injuries to a companion animal, attempted to drown a family member’s dog in the bathtub at a home on Girard Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. The dog, a mixed breed terrier named “Sprocket,” received emergency veterinary treatment. After his arraignment in the animal cruelty case, Jackson was held without bail. 

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 9:32 a.m., the defendant intentionally threw a liquid, believed to be urine, at a jail deputy. The incident occurred while the defendant was incarcerated at the Erie County Holding Center. 

Jackson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to be held without bail.  

DA Flynn commends SPCA Officer Melina Homsi, the SPCA Serving Erie County, Cheektowaga Police Department and Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in these investigations. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.